R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
